Qantas has welcomed the first of its South Australian-based technology teams, as the airline gets ready to open the doors on its Product Innovation Centre in the Adelaide CBD by the middle of the year.

Working from a temporary space while designs on its permanent centre are finalised, the initial team of 12, are now helping design and build new digital features that will be used by millions of Qantas customers every day.

The team is the first of more than 400 digital and technology new roles that will be hired as part of the airline’s new Product Innovation Centre, which will bring together product managers, designers, software engineers and data and AI specialists.

The Centre will focus on developing and improving Qantas’ digital products, including the Qantas App, as well as tools for frontline staff to help customers manage their journey when things don’t go to plan.

Qantas Group Chief Technology, AI and Transformation Officer Rachel Yangoyan said Adelaide was a great place to build the airline’s in-house digital and tech capabilities.

“South Australia has a thriving technology community and world-class universities that are focusing on AI, which makes it a great place to grow our team.

“We’re already hiring close to 40 roles ahead of the centre officially opening in another few months and are on track to hire hundreds more over the next few years.

“The Centre will be the foundation of our AI-first way of working to help us turn ideas into reality faster, so that we can continually improve the journey from booking your flight through to picking up your bags.”

South Australia’s Minister for Artificial Intelligence & Digital Economy Chris Picton said the investment from Qantas is a strong vote of confidence in SA’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and technology.

“This is a significant milestone in an important project that will add hundreds of highly skilled local jobs.

“Qantas choosing Adelaide for its Product Innovation Centre highlights the strength and capability of our local workforce and education pathways.

“Our state’s been a leader in AI and this investment will help position SA at the forefront of innovation.”

Qantas will partner with Adelaide University to create graduate pathways into the Centre, helping develop the next generation of Australian technology talent.

The Product Innovation Centre is the latest in a series of Qantas investments in South Australia and reinforces Adelaide’s role as a growing hub for digital innovation and high skill employment. The South Australian-based technology roles are in addition to the Qantas Group’s commitment to create more than 8,500 jobs in Australia by 2030.